Series Preview: Invest & Invite
SERIES PREVIEW: INVEST & INVITE
By Matt Dawson
There is a LARGE difference between these 2 pictures. However, there is also something at its core that is the SAME. FIRE!
I love this example because FIRE can be so destructive when forced and wielded like a weapon. But that same fire can be INVITING, welcoming, and draw you close when you want to warm up.
How can one thing be so destructive and also be so inviting simply by the way it is presented and used?
This is not that different than our Christian Faith. We can wield our faith & beliefs like a weapon or we can offer them up as an invitation for others who are in need. One causes massive destruction, and one warms the heart of those in need of warmth and rest.
Look at the way Jesus was very intentional of how He INVITED people to follow Him.
Matthew 11:28-30. “Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Luke 14:16-17 “But He said to him, “A man was giving a big dinner, and he invited many; and at the dinner hour he sent his slave to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come; for everything is ready now.‘
Matthew 4:24-25 “News about him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic or paralyzed—he healed them all. Large crowds followed him wherever he went…“
Matthew 4:19 “Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!”
Revelation 3:20 ‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.
This doesn’t mean that Jesus did not BOLDLY proclaim when necessary, but the majority of His time with people was not spent FLAME THROWING people into following “The Way.” He knew how amazing His grace really was, and He offered it to those who would come.
In our next series at Journey, we are going to discuss what it looks for us to INVEST and INVITE people to follow Jesus. As we approach Easter Sunday, we are hoping you are already praying for your TOP 5 and making plans to invite them to join you on Easter to hear the Good News of Jesus.